CLUB: Players make it a Merry Christmas for youngsters at The Rock

Carlisle United have already started the process of cementing their relationship with the innovative The Rock project in Currock as we helped to create a week to remember for the youngsters in the lead-up to Christmas.

Six of the group attended the Grimsby Town home game, as guests in the EWM Stand, as a reward for good behaviour as part of the incentivised link-up between the club and the project.

And over the last few days the first-team staff and squad members have clubbed together to raise some cash before popping along to the project buildings to hand over a cheque for £640 ... and a brand-new microwave!

Club chaplain Alun Jones, who works closely with the staff at The Rock, explained: “When David [Holdsworth] visited a few weeks ago we mentioned in passing that our microwave sounded like it had just been given clearance to take off from Carlisle Airport whenever we turned it on.

“That was obviously taken on board and it’s wonderful for us all that the club and the players have come together to buy us a new one. It’s an unbelievably kind gesture and it will make things much easier for the staff and the young people who come here.

“As for the cheque, that has really taken our breath away. There is so much we can do with that money which will help to make things better for this group and for this community.”

The involvement with The Rock started early in December when director of football David Holdsworth headed up a United delegation who were introduced to the staff before being given a real insight into what is a vital community asset.

First team squad members Josh Dixon, Kelvin Etuhu and Keighran Kerr delivered a range of Errea kit as early Christmas presents for the youngsters who attend the sessions, including tracksuits, caps and kits which will be used by the group leaders as rewards for good behaviour in the coming weeks.